Members have their say as part of extensive consultation process
The Camogie Association is currently in the process of drafting a new strategic development plan due for publication in 2016. The current National Development Plan, Our Game Our Passion concludes in 2015.
As part of the process, an online survey commenced in September 13th and remained open for approximately four weeks.
The survey was a broad one seeking the views of those involved in Camogie on a whole range of subjects relevant to the sport.
The key findings of the survey made for interesting reading:
• In total there were 913 respondents of which 22% were male
• The age profile of the respondents was quite balanced overall- with 12% under the age of 17 and 1.5% aged 60 or over
• 97% of respondents were based in Ireland
• 35% of respondents combined camogie with football
• 15% said their next popular sport was aerobics/fitness while 13% favoured triathlons
• 32% of respondents have been involved in Camogie for 20 years or more
• 20% of respondents have been involved for less than 5 years
• 45% of respondents listed themselves as a club player with 46% also listing themselves as a coach/official.
The Gaelic Games Family
• 76% of respondents felt there should be closer ties with the GAA and Ladies Gaelic Football (LGFA), particularly with regards to fixtures planning.
Camogie and Schools
• 77% of respondents said that they would like to see efforts focussed on promoting camogie in both primary and secondary schools.
Teenage retention
Respondents felt that the issue is one that is universal and across other sports, with Camogie no different. However, a need for role models in camogie was highlighted as a means to engage teenagers.
Camogie Loyalties
• Interestingly 59% of respondents felt a greater allegiance to their club than to their county, citing friendships with club colleagues as one of the primary reasons.
What volunteers want
For those as a coach or official, training in their role was deemed the greatest priority (60%) with 52% highlighting the need for online toolkits and 37% requesting an annual workshop.
Promotion of the Sport
66% of respondents felt that there should be a greater utilisation of TV
62% highlighted social media as vital
Co-promotion with the local GAA club was extremely important to 65%
Rules, rules, rules
62% of respondents felt there should be a change to the rule book
The survey, was carried out with a number of regional meetings, one-on-one meetings and the findings will be used in the formulation of the next plan which is underway.
The Camogie Association want to thank all of those who took part in the survey and attended regional meetings. Your feedback and views are invaluable.
*The new development plan is being facilitated by Maeve Buckley of Line Up Sports lineupsme.com
*Pictured above: the promotion of the online survey seeking members views
